Chief Risk Officer

We acknowledge that the lands on which Memorial University’s campuses are situated are in the traditional territories of diverse Indigenous groups, and we acknowledge with respect the diverse histories and cultures of the Beothuk, Mi’kmaq, Innu, and Inuit of this province.

Memorial University of Newfoundland invites applications and expressions of interest for the position of Chief Risk Officer.

Since its founding in 1925, Memorial University has grown to become one of the largest universities in Atlantic Canada with more than 18,000 students and 3,700 faculty and staff: 100 degree programs are offered across Memorial’s multi-campus system, which includes the St. John’s Campus, the Marine Institute, the Labrador Institute, the Signal Hill Campus, the Grenfell Campus, and the Harlow Campus located in Essex, England. A global network of more than 95,000 accomplished alumni—deeply engaged and committed to the success of the University—strengthen Memorial’s capacity and reputation for leadership in research, teaching, and public engagement. Memorial University—the only university in the province, and established as a memorial to those who lost their lives during the First World War and subsequent conflicts—is recognized for its historical and ongoing commitment to building a better future for Newfoundland and Labrador, for Canada, and for the world. More information about Memorial University can be found at: https://www.mun.ca/.

Opportunity and risk are intrinsically linked to the very purpose of Memorial University, whether it is in its innovative research initiatives, dynamic field studies, or public engagement. It is vital that risk management be a continuous process, and risks monitored to ensure they are acceptable in light of Memorial’s vision, mission and values. The Chief Risk Officer (CRO) will be committed to facilitating a safe, secure and healthy environment for the Memorial Community, through innovative and proactive approaches to risk management which promote a culture reflective of Memorial’s values. Reporting to the Vice-President (Administration and Finance), the CRO will oversee a portfolio encompassing Campus Enforcement and Patrol, Emergency Management, Environmental Health and Safety, Risk and Insurance, and the Assessment and Care Protocol.

The ideal candidate for Chief Risk Officer possesses a university degree, and senior leadership experience gained within a post-secondary environment or a multi-faceted and complex private or public organization. They will have a track record of identifying, evaluating, mitigating and monitoring major risks and driving the continuous improvement of risk management practices. The new CRO will possess strategic critical thinking and problem-solving skills, exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, and the energy to drive change, make proactive decisions and adapt to multiple priorities. They must be collaborative and consultative, facilitate engaging relationships with the Memorial community, develop strong, motivated teams and demonstrate a deep commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion. To view the Candidate Brief please click HERE

Consideration of candidates will begin in November 2019, and continue until the position is filled, with the new Chief Risk Officer to take office in early 2020. Inquiries or applications should be submitted, in confidence, to Gerri Woodford or Krutika Hotwani at muncro@odgersberndtson.com.

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, preference will be given to applicants who are legally entitled to work in Canada. Memorial University is committed to employment equity and diversity and encourages applications from all qualified candidates, including women, people of any sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression; Indigenous peoples; visible minorities and racialized people; and people with disabilities.  

Memorial University and Odgers Berndtson respect people’s different needs and therefore will take all reasonable steps to ensure accommodation for applicants during the process. If you require accommodation to participate in the recruitment process, please inform Odgers Berndtson.